MCC Muhlenberg County Campus:
15 Years of Educational Progress
Newsletter
Vol. 19, No. 3
December 2016 - March 2017
MCC Muhlenberg Campus
The Muhlenberg County Campus of Madisonville Community College (MCC), tagged
as the “Muhlenberg Miracle,” is celebrating the 15th year of providing educational
opportunities to the citizens of Muhlenberg County. MCC President Dr. Cindy Kelley
is excited about the future of the campus and shared, “The citizens of Muhlenberg
County have been loyal supporters of MCC’s Muhlenberg County campus and its programs. I look forward to continuing work with the community to grow programs and
offer classes and services that will be of benefit our students and community.”
Plans began in the early 1990s to take the college’s extended campus programming to a
new level. In Muhlenberg County, the momentum grew quickly among the community leaders with considerable eagerness to bring a greater higher education presence to
the county. In 1992, the Muhlenberg Campus project was included in the MCC Partners in Progress gift campaign. The project was boosted by the donation of a twenty
acre site on U.S. 62 across from the National Guard Armory in Central City from the
Everly Brothers Foundation in cooperation with the City of Central City.
Next, a committee of local volunteers, co-chaired by John Stovall and Dennis Kirtley,
started working with the MCC Advancement Office to raise money for the building’s
construction. Substantial contributions from local businesses and community leaders
aided the fundraising efforts. In all, there were seventy contributions of $20,000 or
more, and supporters of the Muhlenberg County Campus raised over $3 million of the
approximately $4 million needed for the construction and equipping of the 25,000
square foot facility. The Kentucky General Assembly provided an additional $700,000
and the Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court provided another $100,000 to complete the
project.
After many years of work, the MCC Muhlenberg County Campus was ready for students and officially opened its doors on August 31, 2001. At the dedication ceremony,
John Stovall reflected on the installation speech given in 1999 by MCC President Dr.
Judith L. Rhoads (retired). Her hopes were that the Muhlenberg County Campus
would “raise Muhlenberg County from one of the lowest percentages of high school
graduates to one of the highest. Then it should raise our level of people with two-year
or four-year college degrees. This campus will get a lot of people started on their way
to college degrees.”
Est. 2001
In this issue:
Page 2 - President’s Letter; Page 3 - Student
News; Pages 4-5 - Scholarship Awards; Page 6 Student Study Abroad Scholarship; Page 7 Health Science Technology Degree Program
Now Available at MCC Muhlenberg Campus;
Page 8 - SGA Activities; Page 9 MCC Archers;
Page 10 - Employee News; Page 11- Stanley
Lewis Cultural Diversity Writing Contest Winners; Pages 12-15 - CTE Students of the Month;
Page 16 - Upcoming Events at the Glema Mahr
Center for the Arts
Those hopes are being realized and the community impact of the campus has been tremendous. Over the past 15 years, thousands of students have earned associate degrees
and other credentials or sought to strengthen their academic skill levels. The campus
offers two degree completion options – the Associate in Arts transfer degree and the
Health Science Technology degree. The county’s high school graduation rate now
stands at 84.8% (Source: Kentucky Department of Education School Report Card 2015
-2016) and efforts are continuing to increase the percentage of adults ages 25-64 with
an associate's degree or higher. Muhlenberg County is currently at 21.4% (Source:
American Community Survey [2010-2014] 5 Year Estimates).
Additionally, the students, faculty and staff of the MCC Muhlenberg County Campus
have developed an extensive community outreach. Over the years, they have actively
participated in blood drives, Friends of the Library activities, hosted spelling and math
contests for elementary school students, and supported the local Backpack program
through numerous fundraising activities.
Madisonville Community College is proud of the spirit of Muhlenberg County. The
community has invested in education as a key to a more successful future for its citizens. The generosity of individuals such as Iris Givens, Felix Martin, Jr., Irene Sadler,
Pauline and P.A. Shaver, and Tom and Skip Shaver has given root for more
“Muhlenberg Miracles.”
MCC Newsletter
2
Spring is Coming!
Dr. Cindy Kelley, MCC President
Spring is described as a time of renewal, regeneration, and rejuvenation. It is a
time of hope and a time to envision the possibilities that lie ahead of us.
With that said, I can only wonder what lies ahead for Madisonville Community
College. As you read through the pages of this edition of the MCC Newsletter
you will get just a glimpse of the great things that have been happening during
the colder and darker winter months.
Our faculty have won awards and competitions. Dr. Aseem Talukdar has been
selected to participate in the inaugural class of the Academic Leadership Development Institute. Kim Simons and Jude Roy have also been recognized for
their talents over the past few months.
Our students have been winning scholarships. They have also been winning at
archery as well! Kody Appleby and Hunter Carton took second and third place
respectively at the Intercollegiate Indoor Archery Tournament. Holly Moore
was chosen for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship that will allow her to
study in Japan during the summer.
Our college has been offering services to students and the community. We are excited that we are partnering
with Pennyroyal Health Systems to provide counseling for our students. We have also hosted spelling bees,
professional development for teacher candidates, real-work experiences for students, and more programming
at the Muhlenberg campus.
This column and the MCC Newsletter only touch on some of the happenings at MCC. Grants have been written, faculty have been working on the Quality Enhancement Plan, the Enrollment Center has been recruiting
new students, Black History month has been celebrated and faculty have been completing doctoral degrees. If
this exemplifies the dark, quiet, slow winter at MCC, I can only imagine what spring will bring!
As spring peeks around the corner and we become rejuvenated, I know there is much more to come. Faculty
members are preparing to present at national conferences, we are strategically planning for future growth,
more grants are being written, we are planning for spring
commencement, we are gearing up for activities to surround the “Eclipse at MCC” event, and we are watching
as a new building emerges from the dirt.
I look forward to the bright and shiny days ahead. There
is a part of me that also anxiously awaits the challenges
that will come as we move forward. In my short time
here at MCC, I have found that the challenges bring us
together and make us more than we thought we could be.
So, spring, bring it on! We are ready and waiting!
#MCCFORWARD!
Construction of the Regional Postsecondary
Education Center - March 3, 2017
MCC Newsletter
3
MCC Students of the Month
November
December
January
Joshua Sallee
Darlene Calvert
Mark Walker
Sallee, of Central City, was nominated by
Physics faculty member Dr. Aseem Talukdar. In the nomination, Dr. Talukdar
shared, “Joshua is in my astronomy
class. He has been an outstanding student
throughout the semester. He has scored
100% on all tests and class assignments. He is genuinely committed to
learning and ready to go the extra miles
to learn the subject thoroughly. I have
had a great time chatting with him about
astronomy related things outside the class
too. In my opinion, he is a model student
of MCC.” Sallee is completing coursework for the Associate in Arts degree and
is interested in teaching math and science.
Calvert, of Madisonville, was nominated
by CIT faculty member Sonya Shockley. In the nomination, Ms. Shockley
noted that Darlene has an outstanding
work ethic. She has never missed an assignment despite some trying circumstances. She comes to class prepared and
is always willing to lend a helping hand
to support her peers. Calvert is completing course requirements for admission
into the Occupational Therapy Assistant
program.
Walker, of Henderson, was nominated by
Jeff Bidwell and Aaron Morris, MCC
Surgical Technology program faculty
members. In the nomination, Bidwell
and Morris shared that Mark is a former
Henderson Police Officer who decided to
change professions after 20 years of service. Walker sets the example of professionalism in the classroom and in the
clinical setting, maintaining an excellent
GPA and attendance record.
December Grads
December 2016 MCC Integrated Nursing Program Graduates
MCC’s Integrated Nursing Program held its Pinning Ceremony
on December 8 recognizing their students’ successful completion
the Associate Degree Nursing program. Graduates honored
were: Megan Armstrong, Cynthia Boley, Sondra Bowers, Jennifer Bryant, Laurie Dunca, Courtney Faughender, Diana Fiese,
Lauren Glass, Genieva Gray, Mallorie Hight, Kathleen Jennings,
Ginger Lane, Natasha Lane, Magan Larrison, Kayla Maiden,
Denisha Mason, Latemia McLaughlin, Brooke McLean, Diana
Morgan, Hannah Morgan, Joshua Murdock, Taylor Parker,
Karlee Ramage, Heather Ross, Christopher Rushing, Bridget
Skinner, Jamie Stallard, Kyle Tucker, Courtney Vincent.
Awards were presented to Diana Fiese - KANS; Jennifer Bryant
- Spirit of Excellence; Denisha Mason - Spirit of Caring; and
Brooke McLean - Academic Distinction Honor.
MCC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Class of 2016 graduation ceremony was held on December 13. Graduates honors
were: Logan Baggett, Chandra Boarman, Makenzie Campbell,
Lacie Dame, Samantha Eblen, Mercedes Graves, Hunter Hurd,
Joy Kassinger, Ashley Marshall, Aaron Mick, Grace Porter,
Stephanie Pride, Deanna Tomlin, Kayla Vanover, and Monica
Young. OTA student club president Kayla Vanover and vice
president Logan Baggett were the graduation speakers. The
Grothem Award was presented to Aaron Mick, Class of 2016,
and to Erica Jones, Class of 2017.
December 2016 MCC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program Graduates
MCC Newsletter
4
Scholarship Awards
Stan Lewis Memorial Scholarship
Ashley Dillard has been selected as the r ecipient of the Stan Lewis Memor ial
Scholarship for the fall 2016 semester. The scholarship is awarded to an academically-talented minority student in memory of Stan Lewis, the first African American faculty member at Madisonville Community College. Mr. Lewis was dedicated to meeting the needs of MCC students for over 28 years by providing genuine kindness, concern, and the best possible service to all.
Dillard, of Hopkinsville and currently residing in Madisonville, is enrolled in the
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program at MCC and anticipates graduating in May 2017. She was honored to be selected and shared, “Being the recipient of the Stan Lewis Memorial Scholarship means a great deal to me because Mr.
Lewis valued multiculturalism and diversity. I’m an excellent representation of
both. I’m black, a woman, and most importantly deaf. I identify with three categories of the minority population and I am proud to be succeeding in a challenging allied health field. Someday I would like to mentor a group of students with
similar backgrounds as me who are interested in the STEM field and encourage
them that they, too, can be as successful as I am.”
Ashley Dillard is pictured with MCC Chief Student Affairs
Officer Dr. Jay Parrent.
When asked why she chose the MLT program, Dillard stated, “It’s because it’s a
combination of two passions -- medical and laboratory science. It is fascinating to
place different pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together to figure out what type of organism has infected a patient and figure out which antibiotic will be susceptible to it. At first, I faced a communication barrier because
of my deafness; however, with the support I received at school, I am succeeding in the MLT program. I’m detail-oriented; I value
accuracy and thoroughness. Being naturally inquisitive, I always ask questions in class or lab. MLT jobs provide stability and security and it’s in demand in the near future.”
Dillard is looking forward to entering the workforce in either rural or metropolitan areas in Kentucky. She will also be looking into
several graduate programs, specifically in clinical microbiology.
N. O. Kimbler Memorial Scholarship
Katelyn McElvain has been awar ded the N. O. Kimbler
Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,650 for the spring
2017 semester by the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association
(KRTA). The scholarship was established by a group of retired educators in western Kentucky in recognition of Mr.
Kimbler’s desire for every deserving Kentucky youth to receive a college education. It is awarded by the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association to community college students
who show promise of becoming excellent teachers. Mr. Kimbler started his teaching career in 1912 in a two-room country
school. He rose to become State President of the Kentucky
Education Association in 1938 and served as the Executive
Secretary of the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System from
1940 until his retirement in 1957.
McElvain, of Central City, is a student in MCC’s Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) program and anticipates graduating in May 2017 with an Associate in Applied Science degree. The IECE program focuses on the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of children
from birth through age five. McElvain is looking forward to
entering the workforce and working in a preschool classroom.
Pictured (l-r) are: MCC Financial Aid Coordinator Sherri Todd, MCC President
Dr. Cindy Kelley, Katelyn McElvain, and MCC Interdisciplinary Early Childhood
Education Professor April Grace.
5
MCC Newsletter
Scholarship Awards
Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship
Asrah Waddy and Jacob Hamilton wer e announced as r ecipients of the MLK Scholarship during Hopkins County 33rd
Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on January 14.
Waddy of Madisonville anticipates completion of her Associate in Science degree in fall 2017. She plans to transfer to
Western Kentucky University to study meteorology.
Hamilton of Madisonville (formerly of Lexington) is a psychology major and anticipates completing his Associate in Arts
degree in spring 2018. He also plans to transfer to Western
Kentucky University.
Hamilton and Waddy both were very honored to be recommended and to receive the scholarship. Waddy shared, “It
really is just a blessing to receive such a scholarship because
Martin Luther King, Jr., as a whole, is something we can look
up to forever . . . it makes me have a motivation to do more
and to go further for the people of the community later on.”
Pictured (l-r) are MCC President Dr. Cindy Kelley, Jacob Hamilton,
Asrah Waddy, and Community Improvement Foundation President Tim Thomas.
American Legion Forty and Eight Voiture 1381 Scholarship
Madisonville Community College (MCC) President Dr. Cindy Kelley
recently accepted a scholarship donation from American Legion’s Forty
and Eight Voiture 1381 organization. Representatives Parvin Gibbs and
Shawn Vanlue presented the check. Forty and Eight Voiture 1381 have
been generous donors to MCC since 2001, providing funding to support
Hopkins County resident nursing students.
Pictured left are (l-r) MCC Director of Advancement Chris Woodall,
Parvin Gibbs and Shawn Vanlue of the Forty and Eight Voiture 1381
organization, and MCC President Dr. Cindy Kelley.
MCC nursing program student Larrie Sue Moody was selected as this year’s recipient of the Forty and Eight Voiture 1381
scholarship in the amount of $750.
Moody, of Madisonville, is a 4th semester nursing program
student and anticipates program completion in May,
2017. She has been accepted into the blended Bachelor of
Science in Nursing degree program offered through a joint
President Dr. Cindy Kelley (left) and MCC Director of Advancement
admission agreement between Murray State University and MCC
Chris Woodall (right) presented Larrie Moody with the Forty and Eight VoiMCC. Moody comes from a family of nurses. Her mother ture 1381 nursing scholarship on February 1, 2017.
started the tradition 37 years ago and two of Moody’s siblings are also nurses. Moody shared what a great honor it was to be selected for the American Legion Forty and Eight Voiture
scholarship. Quoting Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” she noted how thankful she is that
God gave her a caring heart for the community, enabling her to promote health and wellness and to provide care for the sick.
MCC Newsletter
6
MCC student to study in Japan, blog experience
By Laura Buchanan, Lead Reporter - Reprinted from The Messenger, February 19, 2017
MADISONVILLE - One Hopkins County college student will soon embark on a unique learning adventure -- educating a global community
before even earning her teaching certificate.
Holly Moore, an elementar y education major
at Madisonville Community College, recently
learned she is the only student within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System so far this year to earn the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, one that offers federal grants
for U.S. citizens to study abroad in the country
of their choice. Moore will be studying in Japan
from May 28-June 26 as part of the Kentucky
Institute for International Studies.
"I am so excited," Moore said. "I had to write an
essay about why I wanted to study abroad and
what kind of impact it will have on my life, and
then, I had to come up with a service plan and
write a community service project on how I am
going to use what I have learned abroad when I
Laura Buchanan, The Messenger
Madisonville Community College elementary education major Holly Moore, left, assists English 102
come back." Once selected, Moore said she
student Angel Steele with her literature assignment Thursday at the Learning Space on the college’s
knew right away which country she wanted to
third floor. While Moore is soon to set off to study abroad in Japan, she spends her free time at
visit. "I always knew it would be Japan," she
MCC tutoring others in areas such as reading and writing.
said. "I've been in love with the culture since I
was 11 years old. I've been studying the language since I was a teenager, so I won't be completely lost. "I've actually never been out
of the United States before," she added, laughing. "It's nerve-wracking, but exciting."
After touching down after a 12-hour scheduled flight, Moore will spend one week in the historical city of Nara, near Kyoto. Next,
she will complete a "home stay" with a Japanese family and visit surrounding schools during week two. She will spend her third
week in Tokyo before riding the bullet train to Hiroshima and eventually come back full circle to Kyoto. "While we are traveling
and visiting all of these places, we're taking classes," Moore said. "I'm earning six credits while I'm there."
Also during her stay, Moore will frequently blog about the experience on her web site, www.ateacherinjapan.weebly.com and can be
followed on Twitter @ateacherinjapan. "Hopefully people who want to live vicariously through me can feel free to follow along,"
she said. Once she returns stateside, Moore said she plans to share her experiences with various MCC classes -- or with anyone who
asks.
Named after U.S. Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, the
scholarship awards up to $5,000 to students to use toward travel or internship costs. Gilman, who retired in 2002 after serving in the House of Representatives for 30 years and chairing
the House Foreign Relations Committee, noted that studying
abroad is a "special experience for every student who participates."
"Living and learning in a vastly different environment of another nation not only exposes our students to alternate views, but
also adds an enriching social and cultural experience," he said
in an MCC news release. "It also provides our students with the
opportunity to return home with a deeper understanding of their
place in the world, encouraging them to be a contributor, rather
than a spectator in the international community."
A full list of scholarship recipients, including the student's
home state, university and host country, is available
at www.iie.org/gilman.
7
MCC Newsletter
MCC Hosts 2016-2017 Hopkins County Spelling Bee
Jackson Summers, JMMS, Named Champion
On Friday, January 20, 2017, top spellers from each of the Hopkins County Schools elementary and middle schools gathered in the Quad Room of the Brown Badgett, Sr. Energy and
Advanced Technology for the 2016-2017 Hopkins County Spelling Bee hosted by Madisonville Community College (MCC). The Bee started with a practice round followed by
two rounds of competition. Jackson Summers, James Madison Middle School, correctly
spelled “allocation” to win the championship title. Maddox Knight, Jesse Stuart Elementary
School, took 2nd place.
Eligible spelling bee participants were: Will Townsell,
Earlington Elementary School; Kysia Ellis, Grapevine Elementary School; Maggy Weldon, Hanson Elementary
School; Maddox Knight, Jesse Stuart Elementary School;
Bailey Oldham, Pride Avenue Elementary School; Josiah
2016-2017 Hopkins County Spelling
Watson, Southside Elementary School; Josey Hoskins,
Bee Champion Jackson Summers
West Broadway Elementary School; Lily Terry, West Hopkins School; Austin McDowell, West Hopkins Middle
School; Jackson Summers, James Madison Middle School; Jacob Hancock, Browning Springs Middle School; and Katelyn Cavanaugh, South Hopkins Middle School.
MCC Professor Lisa Lee served as the Spelling Bee Facilitator/Coordinator. Official Pronouncer
was April Grace, MCC Professor/IECE Program Coordinator. Judges were MCC Professors Nancy
McClearn, Sarah Oglesby, and Sonya Shockley. MCC Professor Andrea Deal assisted with check
in. Awards were provided by MCC’s KEA-SP Chapter.
2nd Place Winner Maddox
Knight pictured with Lisa Lee
Health Science Technology Degree Program Now Available
A new technical degree program is now available at the Madisonville Community College (MCC) Muhlenberg Campus. Implemented in the fall 2016 semester, the Health Science Technology (HST) program will prepare students for entry–level career opportunities as well as advancement in the healthcare and health-related service professions. Degree completion can result in high employment rate with job stability as a multitalented, marketable health care professional.
MCC Chief Academic Officer Dr. Deborah M. Cox shared, "I am pleased that our
first technical degree program offering in Muhlenberg County is Health Science
Technology. This is a unique degree that affords students with a broad skill set that
will make them attractive to employers in the health care industry. The job market in
health care is growing in all parts of this service area as well as throughout the state
of Kentucky."
The Health Science Technology (HST) program uses an interdisciplinary approach to
health care education with a balance of academic and technical courses to prepare
students to serve as practitioners in the health care industry. The curriculum serves
three main purposes including: completion of prerequisite courses for nearly all allied health and nursing programs; completion of the Associate in Applied Sciences
(AAS) degree, as well as three or more certificates in health care disciplines; and
providing a multidisciplinary alternative to the current health program inventory.
MCC student Logan Holland dons a gown while
instructor Nancy Propes observes during a recent
NAA100 class. Carrie Tingle, in background, is
adjusting the patient’s bedding.
The AAS degree in Health Science Technology requires 60-68 credit hours and includes 3 certification credentials – the Certified Nurse Aide certification (required for
all students) and the choice of 2 additional credentials, such as Electrocardiogram Technician, Phlebotomy for the Health Care
Worker, Emergency Medical Technician, or Kentucky Medication Nurse Aide. The certificates may be earned while completing the
required academic courses and will afford the student an opportunity to seek employment within the health care field while completing the HST degree. The certificates, which are chosen by the student from MCC’s health care inventory based on personal interest,
serve as career choice enhancements that may lead to entrance in a specific field of study, or give the student flexibility in choosing
varying health care institutions in which to work.
For more information about the Health Science Technology program, visit the MCC website (madisonville.kctcs.edu) or contact
Patricia Young at (270) 824-1749; email [email protected]
MCC Newsletter
8
Professional Development for Teacher Candidates at MCC
Submitted by Lisa Lee, Professor of Education
On February 25th, teacher candidates attended professional development sessions presented by experts in their respective fields from across the region. Sessions included:
 Whole Brain Teaching presented by Patricia Wyatt, public school educator and
graduate of the MCC/MSU 2+2 program
 Bullying presented by Dawn Lampley and Pennye Rogers, KES UniServ Directors
 Guide for 1st Year Teachers, presented by Lisa Lee and Debra Rickard, MCC/MSU
instructors of education.
MSU students along with Dr. Susan Edington provided a Q&A session on the 2+2 education options during the lunch break. Students representing KEA-SP chapters from across
the region were in attendance. Professional development is invaluable to teacher candidates as it provides them an opportunity to gain insight into critical aspects of their future
careers as classroom teachers.
MCC Student Government Association Events
Molly’s Mutts Fundraiser
SGA Kiss Fundraiser
The SGA Kiss fundraiser was a great success on February 14.
There were 133 bags of kisses sold, raising $205.36 for the MCC
SGA budget. Thanks to everyone who supported this SGA fundraiser, those that bought kisses, and those who donated materials.
Madisonville Community College (MCC) Student Government
Association (SGA) members participated in Tumbleweed’s
fundraiser on February 20 for Molly’s Mutts Animal Rescue, a
non-profit volunteer organization that is dedicated to rescuing
orphan and abandoned animals in Webster County and surrounding areas.
It was a great volunteer opportunity for the SGA students. They enjoyed socializing and walking the dogs and interacting with the public. The event was held at the Parkway
Plaza Mall from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Pictured (l-r) are Aa’Ron Richardson (son of Aaron), SGA President Aaron Richardson, Traci Rhodes – Special Events/Catering Coordinator Tumbleweed’s, Kayleigh Garner – SGA member. Not pictured were SGA
Vice President Kaitlyn Martin and SGA Sponsor Cathy Vaughan.
SGA member Leah Buchanan is pictured staffing the SGA
table on Valentine’s Day.
MCC Newsletter
9
Pryor Awarded SAEOPP Scholarship
MCC nursing program student Jennifer Pryor has been selected as the 20172018 recipient of the Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity
Program Personnel (SAEOPP) Adult Learner Scholarship in the amount of
$1,000.
Pictured (l-r) are: TRiO Student Support Services Director
Temesia Perdue, MCC President Dr. Cindy Kelley, Jennifer
Pryor, and TRiO Student Support Services Instructional Specialist Kim Higgs.
Each TRiO project within an eight state region (Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina) had the
opportunity to submit one student nominee for each scholarship offered. The
nomination packet contained an essay written by Pryor entitled “How My
Involvement in Student Support Services (or other TRiO program) Has Assisted Me in Preparation for College Success and Success in Life,” along with
documentation of her strong academic performance, involvement in the TRiO
program and in school/community activities including leadership, and two
letters of recommendation.
Jennifer lives in Sebree with her husband, Justin (PTA and pastor of Mt. Lebanon General Baptist Church), and their 3 children. She shared, “I am very
thankful and grateful for this scholarship. It couldn’t have come at a better
time. I had been struggling through 2nd semester wondering if this is where I was supposed to be and if this is what God had for me
to do. After praying and receiving the news that I got this, I knew that the Lord was definitely continuing to pave the way for me.
This takes some of college financial burden off my family.”
Going
Underground
at Riverview
Mine
MCC Archers
Win at
National Tournament
Students from the Junior Kentucky Coal Academy and Kentucky Coal
Academy visited Riverview Mine on February 10 as part of a field trip
for MNG 170, MNG 180 and WLD 100. Participating were: Ruben
House, Hanna Knight, Landon Mitchell, Broady Proctor, Evan Stewart, and Patrick Vaught. Mining instr uctor Bart Allen accompanied
the students.
Riverview Mine General Manager Ken Ford gave a detailed presentation
on mine safety, the current coal market and coal’s economic impact on
Kentucky and the surrounding communities. Students also learned about
multiple mining professions and had an opportunity to ask questions.
Mandatory training from Riverview’s safety department was required
before heading underground on a man-trip to the working face of the #9
coal seam. Students got a first hand view of the raw coal production
complete with underground equipment (continuous miner, scoop, roof
bolter and shuttle car) in
operation. The trip concluded with a visit to the
preparation plant and
barge loading area.
A special thank you to the
following individuals for
assisting with the trip:
Kim Humphrey, Director
of Employee and Community Programs; Ken Ford, General Manager; Mark Evans, Assistant General Manager; Mike Emery, Mine Manager; TJ Smith, Face Boss; Kevin
Vaughn, Safety Director; Jerry Hedgepath, Safety Manager; Keith Taylor, Assistant Safety Manager.
MCC archers Kody Appleby (left) and Hunter Carlton
competed in the United States Collegiate Archery Association (USCA) Intercollegiate National Indoor Tournament on February 10-12 in
Las Vegas.
Appleby took second place
in the Compound Men’s
Division. Carlton took third
place.
Photo provided.
MCC Newsletter
10
MCC Welcomes Mason Smith
Employee News
Lawrence “Jude” Roy, Jr., Pr ofessor of English in the Humanities Division and author of the unpublished novel, The
Lynchings, has been selected as one of the top five writers
being considered for the Freddie Award for Writing Excellence sponsored by the Mystery Writers of America - Florida
Chapter.
Production Coordinator
Glema Mahr Center for the Arts
Mason lives in Muhlenberg County where he is involved with
community theatre and is Music Director at the First United Methodist Church in Central City. He has experience in all aspects of
theatre including sound, lighting, set construction, performing, and
music direction. In fact, Mason’s first exposure to the Glema Center was as Music Director for last summer’s “Young Frankenstein.” Mason holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music from
Cumberland University and is currently working toward his Master’s in Music Education. He and his wife, Melanie, have a 10
month old son, Asher.
Kim Simons, Business Administr ation Pr ofessor in the
Social Sciences Division, won $5,000 for MCC in the pitch
competition held during the 2016 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Summit of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Prior to attending the summit, Simons emailed her interest in the Pitch competition and was chosen to participate. She had to draw from
a bucket one of the 6 pitch types and then present a 2-minute
pitch. Simons presented the following one-word pitch:
“Coalpreneur: Western Ky has just begun to feel the ripple
effect of the coal industry downfall. Picture, if you will, the
coal miner sitting at their kitchen table wondering “what next”
after discovering that their job (their identity) has been taken
away. Hopkins County has worked to forge a partnership
between the Economic Development Center, the Chamber of
Commerce, and the Community College to infiltrate a spirit of
entrepreneurism. I would like to provide the Coalpreneur
with access to resources that can help them transform themselves from a coalpreneur to a true entrepreneur.”
Mason’s start date was February 16. Stop by to welcome him to
his new position. You’ll find him in his office located behind the
stage on the JHG side of the building when he is not in the lighting
booth or catwalks above the stage.
KANS Members Participate in
NCLEX Challenge
Members of MCC’s chapter of the Kentucky Association of Nursing Students (KANS) participated in the inaugural NCLEX Challenge held on February 22. Team members were Jose Ponce,
Leanna Kenner, Melissa Shemwell, Megan VanVactor, Leah
Stepp, and Amber Hicks. Faculty sponsor s wer e Greshin
Markwell, Dawn Latham and Judy Mitchell.
Dr. Aseem Talukdar, Associate Pr ofessor of Physics in the
Mathematics & Sciences Division, has been selected for the
inaugural class of the Academic Leadership Development
Institute (ALDI). The Institute has been designed to be one of
the premier professional development events offered by the
Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to support
underrepresented faculty of color on Kentucky’s campuses.
Talukdar will attend the first session in Louisville on April 24 prior to the annual Student Success Summit.
Happy Retirement!
Sarah Oglesby
Professor of English - Humanities Division
January 31, 2017
MCC Newsletter
11
MCC and Pennyroyal Health Systems Partner to Provide
Mental Health Services on College Campus
Madisonville Community College and Pennyroyal Health Systems have entered into a partnership to provide mental health therapy to and consultative
services on behalf of students enrolled at Madisonville Community College.
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by both agencies on Monday,
January 23, 2017. Clinical assessment, therapy and individual or program
consultations will be provided by mental health professionals beginning January 31, 2017. These services will typically be provided in a designated
area in the John H. Gray Building on the college’s North Campus (2000 College Drive, Madisonville).
“This partnership is ground-breaking for both Madisonville Community College and the Pennyroyal Center,” shared MCC Dean of Student Affairs Cathy
Vaughan. “Mental health counseling on the college campus supports student
health and student success.” The Pennyroyal Center will not see any student
under 18 years of age in an emergency situation unless the legal guardian is
present and agrees to sign permission for treatment from the Center.
MCC President Dr. Cindy Kelley (right) and Ian McFadden,
Executive Director of the Pennyroyal Health Systems sign the
Memorandum of Agreement to provide mental health counseling
for students.
MCC Chief Student Affairs Officer Dr. Jay Parrent noted, “This really started when Mark Strickland (Practice Manager and Director of Children Services, Pennyroyal Center) and I met at the Hopkins County Central High
School Community Leadership Day. I heard about the good work that was going on in Hopkins County Schools and I thought this is
something that needs to be addressed on the postsecondary level. So that’s where we met and how the conversation got started. It
has really evolved quickly and I appreciate the partnership.”
Clinical services will be provided throughout the school year on an as-needed basis. Student referrals for services can be made by
contacting Vaughan at (270) 824-1705 or at the student’s request. All services will be provided under the client-therapist privilege
of confidentiality. Confidential charts will be maintained at the Pennyroyal Center. Students utilizing the Pennyroyal Center services will be billed for time spent directly with them. Students without Medicaid insurance or covered by another provider not billable to the clinician will be referred to the Madisonville clinic for services.
Pennyroyal Health Systems Executive Director Ian McFadden shared, “We appreciate MCC being proactive. We are in the public
school systems but I think getting into higher education is going to be more of a trend.” MCC President Dr. Cindy Kelley agreed,
“It’s so important to have services for our students. I think of some of the things our students have to deal with and think I probably
would never has gotten through school if I had to deal with those things. These kinds of agreements and partnerships help us grow
those services for our community.”
Stanley Lewis Cultural Diversity Writing Contest Winners
MCC announced the results of the 2017 Stanley Lewis Cultural Diversity
Writing Contest during the annual “Voices” program in celebration of black
history month on February 7. The 1st place prize of $500 was awarded to
Jordan Potenza, an MCC student fr om Madisonville. Her winning entry
was titled, “Seven Billion.” Hannah Melton, an MCC student from Providence, was the 2nd place winner with a prize of $150 for her entry titled, “A
Flourishing Society Comes from Acceptance.” The 3rd place prize of $50
was awarded to Guyla Conway of Central City for her entry titled,
“Diversity.” Deanna Garrity, an 8th grade student in Hopkins County, was
awarded the $50 prize for the elementary/middle school category for the entry titled, “Andy’s Adventure.”
The annual writing contest is held in memory of Stanley Lewis, the first African American staff member at Madisonville Community College. Mr. Lewis
Pictured (l-r) are MCC Director of Diversity James Bowles,
was
dedicated to meeting the needs of MCC students for over 28 years by
Jordan Potenza, Hannah Melton, Guyla Conway, Deanna Garriproviding genuine kindness, concern, and the best possible service to all. He
ty, and MCC President Dr. Cindy Kelley.
was an active member, Deacon and Trustee at Eastview Baptist Church in
Madisonville. The Church honors the memory of Stanley Lewis through their continual support of the writing contest by generously
providing the 1st place prize award of $500 each year.
The award winning entries are posted on MCC’s website under the News/Events tab.
MCC Newsletter
12
Celebrating Career and Technical Education Month
February 2017
Madisonville Community College celebrated Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month with the selection
of CTE Students of the Month. These students were selected based on their academic achievement, professionalism, and dedication to their chosen careers.
CTE Students of the Month at Madisonville Community College are:
Leroy Bunker
Advanced Integrated Manufacturing
Bunker, of Madisonville, is enrolled in AIM 1101/Industrial
Materials and Safety -- his first experience with an online
class. Instructor Bartley Johnson noted that he is doing an
excellent job and approaches every problem with a “can do”
method. Despite the learning curve with the Blackboard
online class platform, Bunker, in general, has gone above and
beyond in this course with an excellent attitude.
Pictured left are Leroy Bunker (left) and MCC Chief Student Affairs Officer Dr. Jay Parrent.
Lauren Menser
Biomedical Technology Systems
Menser, of Dawson Springs, is in the 2nd year of
the program. She has demonstrated a high degree of academic endurance, responsibility,
achievement, and professionalism while enrolled
in the BTS program. BTS Program Coordinator
Joey Jones noted, “She will make an excellent
biomedical equipment technician!”
Pictured right are (l-r): MCC Chief Student Affairs Officer Dr. Jay Parrent, Lauren Menser, and Biomedical
Technology Systems Program Coordinator Joey Jones.
Emilie Polley
Business Administration
Polley, of St. Charles, is an outstanding Business student at MCC. Instructor Kevin Batts
shared, “Her excellent work ethic and professionalism make her a role model student in our
Madisonville MBA Pathway.”
Pictured left are (l-r): MCC Chief Student Affairs Officer Dr. Jay Parrent, Emilie Polley, and MCC Business
Administration Instructor Kevin Batts.
MCC Newsletter
13
Bruce Johnson
Computer & Information Technologies
Ja’Vonna Gott
Human Services
Bruce Johnson (right) is pictured with CIT Professor
Chet Cunningham.
Pictured are MCC Chief Student Affairs Officer
Dr. Jay Parrent and Ja’Vonna Gott.
Johnson, of Central City, was nominated by Program
Coordinator Chet Cunningham who stated, “Bruce is
a very bright, dedicated student. He is a hard worker
and does a good job applying what we are discussing/
doing in class to real world situations.”
Gott, of Central City, currently serves as a tutor on
the MCC Muhlenberg Campus. “Ja’Vonna is an excellent student who is conscientious about her work
and passionate about her Social Work career
path. Her goal is to help others,” stated MCC Human
Services Professor Natalie Cooper.
Andrew Brooks
Criminal Justice
Andrew Allen
Medical Information Technology
Andrew Brooks (center) is pictured with Criminal Justice Associate Professor Tim Davis (left) and MCC Chief Student Affairs
Officer Dr. Jay Parrent.
Pictured (l-r) are Andrew Allen and MCC Medical Information
Technology Professor Savanna Garrity.
Brooks, of Central City, was nominated by Criminal Justice
Associate Professor Tim Davis who shared, “When Andrew
first started the program, I noticed he was always at the classroom waiting on me to arrive. He was very inquisitive about
the program and excelled from the very beginning. He is still
unsure of his future in the Criminal Justice field, but whatever
he chooses, I feel he will excel.”
Allen, of Hanson, was described by MIT Professor
Savanna Garrity as “a natural at Medical Coding. He
is patient, dedicated, and well-liked by his peers. He
will make a great employee for whatever healthcare
facility that hires him.”
MCC Newsletter
14
Katelyn McElvain, Lesley Howell, Christina Ball Sigers, and Wethonia Morris
Integrated Early Childhood Education
Pictured (l-r) are IECE Professor April Grace, Katelyn McElvain, Christina Ball Sigers, Lesley Howell,
MCC Chief Student Affairs Officer Dr. Jay Parrent, and Wethonia Morris.
“All of these IECE students are outstanding! These four students will graduate in May and some will transfer
to Murray State University. They have worked hard to make it this far, and graduation is just around the corner. What an accomplishment!” stated IECE Professor April Grace.
Lana Mason
Nursing
Natalie Simpson
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Lana Mason (left) pictured with Nursing Instructor Barb Schnapf.
Natalie Simpson (left) is pictured with OTA Associate Professor
Kim Qualls
Mason, of Princeton, is a 4th semester nursing program student. She was nominated by MCC nursing faculty members
Dr. Loretta Elder and Barb Schnapf who shared, “Lana is a
hard worker, enthusiastic about her studies and very excited
about becoming a Registered Nurse. She is a positive role
model for other students.”
Simpson, of Eddyville, serves as the MCC Student
OTA Club President. “Her professionalism in the
classroom creates a positive atmosphere for others. She is willing to help others in the classroom and
is open to listen to others in group work,” shared
OTA Associate Professor Kim Qualls.
MCC Newsletter
15
Tommy Prowell
Mining Technology
Tommy Prowell (holding certificate) is pictured with MCC Mining Technology Assistant Professor Bart
Allen (right) along with KenAmerican co-workers.
MCC Mining Technology Program Coordinator Bart Allen shared, “Tommy, of Dawson Springs, has demonstrated a high level of academic achievement and success. He is working towards his Associate in Applied
Science degree in Mining Technology.” The CTE Student of the Month recognition was presented at KenAmerican during a special event honoring Tommy.
Whitney Coke and Damika Gregory
Radiography
Frank Couse
Welding Technology
Pictured (l-r) are Damika Gregory and Whitney Coke.
MCC Welding Associate Professor Reid Davis (left)
is pictured with Frank Couse.
Coke and Gregory were nominated by MCC Radiography
Professor Tonia Gibson who shared, “Their attention to detail
on either preparing for a test or completing required classroom activities and their professionalism are the two things
that made Whitney and Damika stand out to me. They are
top notch in every area.”
Couse, of Manitou and formerly Pennsylvania, has been an
MCC student for approximately two years working toward
his Associate in Applied Science degree in Welding. He will
graduate in May. He served three years in the United States
Army as Patrol Explosive Detector Dog (PEDD) handler and
is employed as a fabricator at Scott Heavy Equipment.
(270) 821-ARTS (2787)
8 am - 4:30 pm Monday-Friday
www.glemacenter.org
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Newsletter
The MCC Newsletter is an official publication of Madisonville Community College published 4-6 times annually.
Questions about the MCC Newsletter
should be directed to Joyce Riggs, Director of Public Relations, at (270) 8248581.
MCC is one of 16 colleges in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. MCC is a comprehensive
two-year college that prepares students
for careers, offering more than 167 associate’s degree, diploma, and certificate options in over 20 academic and
technical programs.
MCC has four campus sites:
North Campus
2000 College Drive
Madisonville, KY 42431
Health Sciences Campus
750 North Laffoon Street
Madisonville, KY 42431
Muhlenberg County Campus
406 West Everly Brothers Boulevard
Central City, KY 42330
ACE² and Assessment Center
100 School Avenue
Madisonville, KY 42431
For more information about MCC, call
(270) 821-2250 or visit online at
madisonville.kctcs.edu.
KCTCS does not discriminate based on
race, color, religion, national origin,
sex, disability, or age in its programs
and activities. The following person
has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Employment, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity,
KCTCS, 300 North Main Street, Versailles, KY 40383, (859) 256-3264.
CENTER STAGE SERIES
T HE R USSIAN N ATIONAL B ALLET - Cinderella
The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded in Moscow during the transitional period of Perestroika in the late 1980s. Many of the top dancers from across Russia, dedicated to the timeless tradition of classical Russian National Ballet Theatre joined the company. Today, the Russian National Ballet Theatre is its own institution, with over 50 dancers of singular instruction and vast experience. This performance will be a full-length
presentation of Profkofiev's Cinderella in five acts.
THE
C OMPANY M EN
Unlike any other four-man vocal group touring today, The COMPANY MEN uniquely interweave
today's Top 40 hits with re-imagined classics of the last six decades by blending songs by your favorite
artists, including Sam Smith, The Four Tops, Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, Adele, The Temptations,
Billy Joel, Prince, Meghan Trainor, Bruno Mars, Michael Bublé and more. They bring a signature
throwback sound, contemporary look and an all-star band that will have you dancing in the aisles!
GLEMA MAHR CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES
O LYMPUS P IANO T RIO
Monday, April 10, 2017 7:30 p.m.
The Olympus Piano Trio combines the forces of three exciting young soloists-violinist Regi Papa, cellist
Benjamin Capps, and pianist Konstantine Valianatos. Formed at Juilliard in 2010 to celebrate a common
Hellenic heritage, the Olympus Piano Trio performs a wide repertoire of classical masterpieces and champions the music of native Greek and Diaspora composers.
FIRST UNITED BANK AND TRUST PROUD PARTNERSHIP
T HE M ADISONVILLE N ORTH H OPKINS H IGH S CHOOL M USIC D EPARTMENT ’ S P RODUCTION OF D ISNEY ’ S L ITTLE M ERMAID
Friday, March 17, 2017 7 p.m.
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated
film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. This fishy
fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," & "Kiss the
Girl.”
SPECIAL EVENT
G IVE O UR R EGARDS
TO
B ROADWAY
WITH THE
MCC S INGERS
FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017 7:30 P.M.
Join us as the MCC Singers perform some of Broadway’s best loved tunes.
COMMUNITY THEATRE
D ISNEY ’ S B EAUTY &
THE B EAST - Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard
Ashman & Tim Rice, Book by Linda Woolverton
July 14 & 15, 2017 ∙ 7 p.m. ∙ July 16, 2017 ∙ 2 p.m.
Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's modern classic, Disney's Beauty and the
Beast. We will be holding auditions for this community theatre production in May.